WAMY Community Action’s Santa for Seniors drive made Christmas a little brighter for area seniors who needed it most. The WAMY offices were loaded with gift bags packed with a variety of items for the seniors.
This past month marked WAMY Community Action’s fourth Santa for Seniors gift drive through which the organization distributed more than 1,400 holiday gift bags to senior citizens through the support of local businesses, organizations and individuals.
Volunteers delivered gift bags in person to area seniors in assisted living facilities, living in hospice care or living at home. Bags included blankets, puzzle books, lotion, lip balm, candies and treats.
Since WAMY serves individuals in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties, gift distribution was all over the region.
“During the holiday season, senior citizens who are shut in and cannot leave their homes are often overlooked”, said Allison Jennings, WAMY director of development. “In 2019, WAMY launched its first-ever Santa for Seniors project. The goal was to make sure our shut-in senior neighbors received a gift of holiday cheer. Since 2019, more than 3,500 gifts have been delivered.”
A slew of sponsors made the 2022 program possible.
Sponsors were The High Country Council of Governments and Agency on Aging, Boone Walmart, Mast General Store, Savored Moments Travel, Adam Galleher Memorial Fund, Bank of America, Crossnore Presbyterian Church, Baird’s Creek Presbyterian Church, Pineola Presbyterian Church, Spruce Pine UMC, Linville Land Harbor, Mountain Air Community, Town of Boone Police Department, Watauga County Sherriff’s Office, Skyline/Skybest, Peak Insurance, Go Postal of Boone and individual donors.
“WAMY is already preparing for 2023 and we are grateful for continued community partnerships and supporters,” Jennings said. “Without local assistance and volunteers, spreading joy to our senior neighbors would not be possible. We look forward to a new year of helping people and changing lives.”